CPD Framework for Learning & Teaching

Open to staff with teaching and/or learning support experience, the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Framework for Learning & Teaching (CPDFLT) offers three flexible routes to professional recognition by Advance HE. Advance HE is a national, independent organisation which champions learning and teaching excellence in higher education.

The deadline for submitting a direct application to the University’s CPD recognition panel for Advance HE Fellowship (AFHEA, FHEA, SFHEA) is Wednesday 13 September 2023 to cad@abdn.ac.uk.

Overview

Three Routes to professional recognition are offered through our externally-accredited Framework with a tangible outcome for staff. The Framework is aligned fully with the UK Professional Standards Framework for Teaching and Supporting Learning in Higher Education (UKPSF).

Benefits to gaining recognition as a Fellow of Advance HE include:

National recognition of your commitment to professionalism in teaching and learning in HE.
Demonstration that your practice is aligned with the UKPSF.
Sector-wide transferable award of achievement, recognised by HE institutions.
Opportunities and development activities with recognisable outcomes which can be used to support reward and recognition processes.

Irrespective of the route you decide to take, you will be supported through the Framework, allowing you to reflect on and explore ways of improving your practice. By engaging with the Framework, you will be contributing to the University of Aberdeen’s strategic commitment to the pursuit of excellence in teaching.

Further details:

If you are interested in participating in the CPD Framework for Learning & Teaching (CPDFLT), or for an informal discussion with the CPD Programme Manager about the Framework and how it might benefit you and your career, please contact cad@abdn.ac.uk

CAD is based at 48 College Bounds, Old Aberdeen.

Three Routes to Advance HEA Recognition

There are three routes to achieving Advance HE recognition using the CPD Framework for Learning & Teaching (CPDFLT).

Route 1

Structured, taught pathway

(UKPSF) Recognition Descriptor level	Typical individual role	ROUTE ONE Formal structured, taught provision
Associate Fellow	Open to a range of staff whose role involves supporting others to learn. Examples include PhD students who teach, tutorial assistants, contract researchers, some professional services staff.	Principles of Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (non-credit bearing) I Designing & Tutoring Online Course (not for credit) I Course ED503N (30 credits at SCQF L11)
Fellow	Early career academics, experienced academics new to UK HE, academic-related staff with substantive teaching duties	Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Learning & Teaching (60 credits at SCQF L11)
Senior Fellow	Individuals with sustained record in leading, managing, organising programmes or discipline areas	Accumulated evidence drawing on opportunities and experiences from e.g. PG Dip. or MEd. (PG Dip. 120 or Med. 180 credits at SCQF L11)

Route 2

Semi-structured blend of ongoing duties and more formal CPD opportunities

(UKPSF) Recognition Descriptor level	Typical Individual role	ROUTE TWO Semi structured blend of ongoing duties and more formal CPD opportunities
Associate Fellow	Open to a range of staff whose role involves supporting others to learn. Examples include PhD students who teach, tutorial assistants, contract researchers, some professional services staff.	Initial guidance workshop I Self selected blend of: - mandatory development sessions - Optional CPD sessions - Situated learning opportunities I Submission to panel (collated evidence)
Fellow	Early career academics, experienced academics new to UK HE, academic-related staff with substantive teaching duties	Initial guidance workshop I Self selected blend of: - mandatory development sessions - Optional CPD sessions - Situated learning opportunities I Submission to panel (collated evidence)
Senior Fellow	Individuals with sustained record in leading, managing, organising programmes or discipline areas	Initial guidance workshop I Self selected blend of: - mandatory development sessions - Optional CPD sessions - Situated learning opportunities I Submission to panel (collated evidence + professional dialogue)

Route3

Self-structured around ongoing duties

(UKPSF) Recognition Descriptor level	Typical Individual role	ROUTE THREE Self structured around ongoing
Associate Fellow	Open to a range of staff whose role involves supporting others to learn. Examples include PhD students who teach, tutorial assistants, contract researchers, some professional services staff.	Initial guidance workshop I Collate and reflect on evidence I Submission to panel (collated evidence)
Fellow	Early career academics, experienced academics new to UK HE, academic-related staff with substantive teaching duties	Initial guidance workshop I Collate and reflect on evidence I Submission to panel (collated evidence)
Senior Fellow	Individuals with sustained record in leading, managing, organising programmes or discipline areas<	Initial guidance workshop I Collate and reflect on evidence I Submission to panel (collated evidence + professional dialogue)

Resources

CPD Framework for Learning & Teaching leaflet

FAQs

1. How much of my time will it take?

The three routes to professional recognition (see overleaf) offer a blend of taught and self-directed study; with creditbearing provision you will be aware that one credit equates to 10 hours of study. Self-directed learning may take more or less of your time.

2. How much will it cost?

Provided that you are an employee of the University of Aberdeen then you can take part in the activities outlined in the Framework, including seeking professional recognition, up to PG Certificate level, with no fees payable by you directly. Beyond this level (to PG Dip/MEd/MSc) then normal fees associated with taught Master’s provision apply in all cases.

Individuals who are interested in taking part must contact the CPD Programme Manager (cad@abdn.ac.uk) in the first instance to check their eligibility.

3. How is the CPD Framework for Learning & Teaching assessed?

Individual claims for recognition will take the form of a narrative account of your work, which is assessed by a trained CPD Recognition Panel. The CPD Recognition Panel membership is drawn from a pool of suitably qualified staff from around the University of Aberdeen and one external member from another HE Institution.

4. How do I sign up and when do I start?

Note your interest with the Centre for Academic Development

You are then encouraged strongly to attend an initial guidance workshop. These run bi-monthly and outline what is required in terms of production of evidence and the process of assessment for recognition. If you are interested in taught provision, you will be invited to complete an application form as appropriate.